The Advocate column recently described a case of vandalism against a new business in the neighborhood, Hounds on the Hudson ("Mindless vandalism destroys quality of life," Sept. 12). This is a great new business that adds variety and balance to the Lark Street neighborhood.
What we have seen over the past few years is an increase in the number of bars and their late-night hours of operation. School is back in session, which always means an increase in petty vandalism.
A strong and vibrant downtown community should have a mix of businesses and a balance between residents and businesses. If bars are allowed to operate into the early morning hours, other businesses suffer. Noise, vandalism, drunken driving, crime and garbage are byproducts of late-night bar activity.
For the good of our delicate and historic downtown neighborhood, the city, the Lark Street Business Improvement District and the Albany Police Department need to come together and make sure businesses like Hounds on the Hudson aren't driven out and that a healthy balance can be restored.
Lark Street is often compared to Greenwich Village or Newbury Street. Instead, it should be compared against itself and its own success.
Christopher T. Burke
Albany